Overview
- South Korea’s Defense Intelligence Agency told parliament that a detonation using Punggye-ri’s No. 3 tunnel could proceed quickly if Kim Jong-un orders it.
- The agency assessed expanded enrichment at Yongbyon and other sites along with multiple production lines for different nuclear warheads.
- Intercontinental missiles are judged capable of ranges beyond 13,000 kilometers, while undersea launch options advance through improved R-class submarines and nuclear-submarine work.
- Preparations for additional reconnaissance satellite launches appear underway with Russian technical assistance aimed at higher-resolution imaging.
- About 300 short-range ballistic missiles have been supplied to Russia since October 2023, and partial operations at Kaesong plus rising Chinese exports indicate added economic support.